Aus: Dont embrace DNA tests and genetic mapping

Professor Graeme Suthers from the Royal College of Pathologists agreed that a DNA test might soon hold the key to revolutionising patient care.

"The ability to sequence the entire human genome, an individual's entire genetic code, is now literally within our grasp," he said.

But he urged Australians not to rush in to DNA profiling without a national framework being established, saying important issues needed to be sorted out.

"We need to ensure that the databases that we use are accredited at an international level so when you get a test result from this fantastic mode of testing you can absolute assurance that it is right," he said.

Professor Suthers said laboratories and staff doing the testing needed to be adequately qualified so the health of patients was not put at risk.